Lionsgate Gets ‘Apocalypse Now’ and Other Coppola Classics

Lionsgate July 26 said it signed multiyear deal with Francis Ford Coppola to distribute a select number of the director’s noted films, including Oscar nominee Apocalypse Now, on DVD/Blu-ray Disc, electronic sellthrough, video-on-demand (VOD) and television.

The 1979 Vietnam War film, featuring Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford, Laurence Fishburne and Dennis Hopper, will be released Oct. 19 on Blu-ray for the first time.

The deal with Coppola’s American Zoetrope production company, which includes the May release Tetro starring Vincent Gallo, also comprises Apocalypse Now Redux and The Conversation, the latter being the 1974 Palme d’Or (best picture) winner at the Cannes Film Festival, starring Gene Hackman.

Lionsgate will offer Apocalypse Now on Blu-ray in a two-film set and a three-disc “Full Disclosure Edition.” The two-film edition features both Apocalypse Now and Redux, in addition to nine hours of special features. The full disclosure release also includes making-of documentary “Heart of Darkness,” a 48-page collectable book, and storyboard, photo and marketing archives.

“With their expertise in the home entertainment marketplace, we consider Lionsgate to be the perfect partner to distribute some of my most enduring films,” Coppola said.